Trying to determine which of my thoughts to write about, and I decided…to share them all since they all lead back to love. More exactly….the Love of Jesus.
First, due to a child’s rash, I discovered that I needed to teach the Crew class again this Sunday. As I taught the kids the lesson of John 13: 1-17, I was sharing about Jesus washing HIs disciples feet. As I taught them, I first discussed the difference between feet today (socks, shoes, concrete) and feet then (sandals & dirt). In the end, we learned the lesson of LOVING JESUS by serving others.
Sometimes, that means doing the dirty jobs….like changing stinky diapers, unclogging toilets, and picking up trash. Other times, it’s serving Jesus by doing what needs to be done. The only boy who was there said, “Like you, Ms. Jodi, when you teach us.” Aww, my cup overflows.
When I got home from lunch and helping my parents, I finished yesterday’s “spring cleaning task.” Then, I sat down to listen to the sermon I missed while hanging in the back with the kids. Pastor Brynen is in the midst of a 4-week sermon series. Today’s focus was….since Jesus loves us (last week’s focus), we love Him.
But….do we daily? Do we love Him when we’re tired and crabby? Do we love Him when life doesn’t go our way? Do we love Him when our prayers aren’t answered the way we wanted them to be? Do we love Him while walking through the valley?
You see, Jesus died for you. He died for me. That act of devotion demands a response. Not just the response of choosing to follow Him and accept His free gift of salvation. The response to daily…choose to love Him…regardless. Not because of what He “gives us” but because of who He is.
Who is He? He’s the One who loved me enough to die. He’s the One who forgives me when I fail Him over and over again. He’s the One who loved me first….loves me still…and has promised…He always will.
You see…I’m single. I’d love to be loved by a man of God. BUT…even though I’m not. Even though I’ve not experienced the “mushy love stuff”…I have experienced the love of a faithful God. As we were reminded in the sermon, relationships go 2-ways. It only “works” when the love goes both ways. Jesus loves me, this I know. So, I must choose to love Him…daily. Regardless of what my circumstance or mood is.
I felt His peace in the midst of the storms that my church has walked through over the past few years. He has given me hope when things looked bleak. He is my joy in the morning. He loves me, and I will choose to love Him. And I will be thankful that even when I fail Him…even when I don’t obey Him as completely as I should…He still loves me.
He loves you too. Have you met Him?
My final thought….is simply sharing the last worship song we sang this morning before I headed back to teach kids. A sermon through a song by Chris Tomlin. Enjoy.
And….
Love Jesus. Every day. With all you are! With your heart, soul, mind and strength!
Jodi Lea Pflaumer, Author 